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Using your dinghy as a tugboatA commercial diver/salvage operator taught me this trick many years ago, and it's proven very useful at times. Now, most people tie the towline to the stern of their dinghy and then find it's impossible to steer their dinghy. If you need to tow a disabled vessel in close quarters with your dinghy, pass your painter to the vessel's bow, and operate your dinghy in reverse! This makes it possible to steer your dinghy while towing. You'll find that you can easily turn a disabled vessel in its own length using this trick. You'll find it incredibly useful if you're bringing a boat into a crowded marina, or in any situation where you need to maneuver a disabled vessel in close quarters. For towing a vessel for any distance, just tie your dinghy alongside and use the rudder of the disabled vessel to steer both craft. Then, when approaching the marina, switch to towing as described above. We've done this many times and it works perfectly, you're always in complete control of the situation. Just take your time and you'll be amazed how well it works. |
